Yanagisawa AWO32 Alto Saxophone
Materials and Sound Quality
The AWO32 is crafted from newly engineered bronze and elegant sterling silver. This combination yields a sound that is both sophisticated and pure, setting a new standard in tonal excellence. The bronze body and bow enhance the saxophone’s warmth and depth, while the solid silver neck and bell provide a bright, focused tone. Together, these materials create a rich, complex sound profile that stands out in any musical setting.
Innovative Design Features
The Yanagisawa AWO32 Alto Saxophone incorporates several advanced design features to enhance playability and performance:
- Impeccable Mechanism: The AWO32’s mechanism ensures flawless intonation and a strong tonal core. This precision engineering translates to a consistent and reliable playing experience, allowing musicians to fully express their artistic vision.
- New Key Design: The AWO32 features newly designed front F keys, right side keys, and right pinky keys. These updates improve ergonomics and ease of play, facilitating quicker and more comfortable finger movement. The modifications include:
- Ergonomic Front F Key: Redesigned to sit more comfortably under the player’s finger, enhancing control and responsiveness.
- Enhanced Right-Hand Pinky Keys: The low Eb and low C keys have been re-shaped to facilitate faster and more accurate finger transitions.
- Balanced Tri-Point Brace: To connect the bell and body, Yanagisawa uses a balanced tri-point brace. This design ensures structural resilience and firm resonance, even at high volumes, and minimizes negative resonance. The brace supports the instrument’s overall stability and tonal projection.
- Thumb Rest and Hook: Designed to be mounted to the body with only four small points of contact, the thumb rest and hook are crafted to reduce unwanted vibrations. The brass thumb rest contributes to a more consistent tonal range and greater playing comfort.
Upgrades and Refinements
The AWO32 model replaces the previous A9932 and is part of the Yanagisawa Solid Silver range. It includes several key upgrades:
- Modified Body Tube and Tone Holes: Changes to the body tube bore size and the positioning of the tone holes improve resonance, intonation, and response, ensuring a more refined and versatile sound.
- Additional Key Support: New ‘feet’ have been added under the right-hand side keys (Bb, C, and high E) to provide extra support and a more positive feel when pressing the keys. This enhancement contributes to a smoother and more reliable key action.
Aesthetic Touches
The AWO32 features meticulously hand-done engraving on the bell, adding an element of luxury and personal touch to the instrument. The new fabric-covered woodshell case and updated engraving further enhance the saxophone’s aesthetic appeal, providing both protection and style.
Summary
The Yanagisawa AWO32 alto saxophone stands at the forefront of modern saxophone production, offering a blend of superior materials, innovative design, and impeccable craftsmanship. With its sophisticated sound, advanced playability features, and luxurious details, the AWO32 is an exceptional choice for discerning musicians seeking both technical excellence and aesthetic beauty. Whether for professional performances or personal enjoyment, the AWO32 delivers a truly unique and refined musical experience.
